Oklahoma County voters to decide sales tax funding for sheriff's office

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The Oklahoma County sheriff could lose out on money he already gets from the county if a permanent sales tax passes to fund his department. <br><br>Voters decide May 13th whether

Monday, April 28th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The Oklahoma County sheriff could lose out on money he already gets from the county if a permanent sales tax passes to fund his department.

Voters decide May 13th whether to approve the two-fifths of a cent sales tax. Officials estimate it could raise about 30 (M) million dollars for the sheriff's department.

But if it passes, Sheriff John Whetsel might not get the 13 (M) million dollars he now receives from the county.

District Attorney Wes Lane says the sales tax money would replace the general fund money. Whetsel disagrees, and has promised voters the money he receives from the general fund won't be cut if the sales tax passes.

Five out of eight Oklahoma County Budget Board members say they would consider redistributing the sheriff's general fund money to other departments.